Retirees of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) have raised fresh concerns over what they described as prolonged neglect, alleging that outstanding gratuities, pension arrears and a monthly government palliative have remained unpaid despite repeated appeals for intervention. The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), ABS Chapter, led by Comrade Engr. Bony Ezeani, alleged that no ABS retiree had received gratuity since 2017, while pension arrears owed members had accumulated to approximately N150 million. The pensioners also claimed they had not received the N10,000 monthly palliative announced by the Anambra State Government for 22 months, alleging that other categories of pensioners in the state had benefited from the scheme. At a meeting of the union, Ezeani described the situation as “inhuman and unacceptable,” arguing that retirees who devoted between 30 and 35 years of their productive lives to the state should not be left struggling to meet basic needs in old age. According to him, the situation has become particularly distressing for retirees battling health challenges, some of whom allegedly lack the financial means to access regular medical care. Ezeani cited the case of Mr George Edwards, a former ABS presenter who, according to him, has been bedridden for more than seven years. He said the alleged non-payment of the N10,000 monthly palliative to Edwards over the past 22 months could have provided some financial relief towards his treatment, adding that several other retirees were facing similar difficulties. “We served Anambra State for 30 to 35 years. Some of us retired at 60. Today, we are treated as if we are not part of Anambra State. This is very painful,” Ezeani said. The union chairman disclosed that the pensioners had written more than 12 letters to the Head of Service, Chief of Staff, Secretary to the State Government and Governor Chukwuma Soludo, seeking government intervention. He, however, said the appeals had not received the response expected by the retirees. Ezeani also disclosed that a meeting with the Head of Service scheduled for last month was cancelled two days before the agreed date, with no alternative appointment subsequently communicated to the union. He described gratuity as a crucial financial lifeline for retirees, noting that it often represents the major lump sum available to workers after leaving active service. “Gratuity is the only bulk money a retiree can use to start a new life. Our members are dying; some are hospitalised. We are asking: is there a second category of pensioners in Anambra State?” he queried. The pensioners appealed to Governor Soludo to urgently look into their complaints and facilitate the payment of their outstanding gratuities, pension arrears and the alleged 22 months of unpaid N10,000 monthly palliative. They also called on civil society organisations, concerned citizens and the media to investigate and draw attention to their plight, insisting that those who spent decades serving the state should not be left to face avoidable hardship after retirement.